THE MYSTERY OF THE THREE TESTS IN THE WILDERNESS

Because this study deals with the authority of Yahweh’s revealed word – it very well might be the most insightful and important message I have published to date.

NOTICE: The Devil, Satan, the fallen hosts of messengers and the demonic realm are all used interchangeably throughout this study for the sake of convenience and ease of understanding. Please forgive me in advance for taking “license” with this truth.

In Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 there are two very detailed accounts of how our Messiah and Master was tried three different times by our adversary the Devil. The Good News according to Mark also mentions this time of testing in passing. I.e. Mark 1:12-13 A great multitude of sermons and lessons have been taught about this experience over the last 1900+ years. However, I think it is high-time for us to ask ourselves – “do we really understand the true nature of these tests and what are the implication(s) for us today?” The answer(s) just might surprise you.

If you are like me, then you have probably read the following verse from Hebrews more than once…

“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”~ Hebrews 4:15

However, I was always left perplexed as to what it really meant to the average believer. Was our Savior and Master ever tempted to get drunk, commit adultery, back-talk to His earthly mother and father (thus dishonoring them), profane the weekly set-apart Sabbath or to transgress any other commandment His Father gave us in His Torah (I.e. His Instructions)? Does this Scripture mean that Yahoshua was tempted in the exact same way as I am tempted today or does it mean something completely different altogether? For the longest time – I honestly did not know the correct answer to this question and I was just left scratching my head and wondering – ‘what does it really mean that Yahoshua was “tempted as we are, yet without sin?”’

It was in late 2010 that I first began to receive Heaven sent revelation – answering these questions – from the account of Yahoshua’s three tests in the wilderness.

When the Good News accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke were first written – there were no chapters and verses recorded. The chapters and verses in usage today were added to the text more than a thousand years after they were first written. The key to understanding the true nature of the three tests of Yahoshua – is by reading the last two verses recorded in Matthew chapter 3.

“And Yahoshua, when He was immersed, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of Yahweh descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” ~ Matthew 3:16-17

Now that the foundation has been properly laid – let’s begin our study and discover “the mystery of the three tests”, which Yahoshua our Master and Savior had to face in the wilderness of Yahudah.

FALSE PROPHETS AND FALSE PROMISES

The very next first of Matthew reads…

“Then was Yahoshua led up of the set-apart Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil.” ~ Matthew 4:1

Perhaps you are one of those who have been deceived by the false gospel of life enhancement / enrichment and have fully believed in the counterfeit Jesus – preached by the modern day false prophets who beguilingly teach us to “only believe” and “sow your best seed – so that you may receive the one-hundred-fold return on your ‘investment.’”

Hear the Word of Yahweh concerning ALL such men and women who proclaim such nonsense!

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in the Messiah. For if he that comes preaches another Yahoshua, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another good news, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him… For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of the Messiah. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” ~ 2Corinthians 11:3-4 & 13-15

Let me assure you my friend that your temporal “health, wealth and prosperity” is not why Yahoshua had to come to Earth and die. And that phoney-baloney sandwich your eating is not promised anywhere from Genesis to Revelation and it simply will not satisfy your soul – no matter how positive your thoughts and no matter how much you “name it, claim it and frame it!”

Even though it might not agree with your present theology, doctrine or dogma – the Scripture clearly states that it was the Spirit of Yahweh which led Yahoshua of Nazareth into the wilderness experience. Fifteen hundred years earlier – when Yahweh delivered His children (Yisrael) out of their slavery in Egypt – He then immediately led them into the Sinai wilderness. Just as Yahoshua was tried in the wilderness – so they were tried too – and so you and I will be led into the wilderness and we will surely be tested.

Unfortunately, the Yisraelites failed their test(s) miserably – whereas, Yahoshua would pass perfectly! How will you and I fare when the Spirit leads us into the wilderness and we are confronted with the tests set before us? Whereas, the example of Yahoshua in the wilderness is our perfect example as how to pass the test – the example of the children of Yisrael is our perfect example as how to fail the test! I.e. 1Corinthians 10:1-13

Whose example will we choose to follow?

THE FIRST TEST
“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungry. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If thou be the Son of Elohim, command that these stones be made bread.” ~ Matthew 4:2-3

It is awfully tempting to presume that this first test must be about eating food and exercising self-control over the appetite of your stomach. After all, Yahoshua hadn’t eaten anything at all for forty days and nights. However, all such presumption must be proven wrong by the Scriptures. First of all anyone who has fasted for such a length of time (and there are many throughout history – including myself) will be the first to tell you that all hunger pangs and desire to consume any food leave you by the end of the third day and for the most part you do not even miss sitting down for each meal time.

However, much more importantly – the Scriptures clearly indicate that the fast was concluded by the time Yahoshua was tempted by the Devil. Yahoshua was free to eat and satisfy His hunger if He wanted to – as the time of fasting was definitely over. So, what was the true nature of this first test in the wilderness?

Believe it or not… The Devil was testing the Son of Man to see if He would stand firm on the revealed word of His Father or not!

The last thing Yahoshua heard His Father say – before He was led into the wilderness was…

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Now Satan was allowed – by permission from Heaven’s throne (Job 1:6-8) – to test Him to see if He will stand firmly on the Word of Yahweh alone – concerning the revelation He had received at the time of His immersion in the Yarden river.

“If thou be the Son of Elohim…” In other words, “If you really are the Son of El – PROVE IT!”

As a child of Elohim – you do not have to prove your faith to anyone. You simply must obey – by faith – the Word that Elohim has spoken to you by His written Word and by the revelation He has given you personally – which will NEVER contradict the Scripture revealed from Genesis – Revelation.

When Yahoshua’s faith was questioned – He responded by quoting from the Torah (i.e. the Instructions) of Yahweh – as “it is written” in Deuteronomy 8:3.

“But He answered and said, It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh.’” ~ Matthew 4:4

There is a great deal that we can learn from how Yahoshua responded to this first test.

First, He passed the test by quoting from the Torah of Moses. This is exactly how David said that he would successfully pass each test and how we are also instructed to pass each test put before us.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” ~ Psalm 119:11

Secondly, (and most importantly) Yahoshua told the Devil that all of Yahweh’s people should live by every word of His Torah as recorded from Genesis to Deuteronomy. Most people miss this very important point, because they do not know (Hosea 4:6) that only the words recorded in the Torah (I.e. the first five books of the Jewish and Christian Bibles) proceeded directly from the mouth of Yahweh.
All the rest of the Scriptures, as found in the “Old Testament” / TaNaKh were given by the inspiration of the Spirit – as well as all the “New Testament” Scriptures – which is exactly what the apostle said in his second letter to his beloved son in the faith – Timothy.
“All Scripture given by inspiration of Yahweh, indeed is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Elohim may be complete, throughly furnished unto all good works.” ~ 2Timothy 3:16-17

Only the first five books of the Jewish and Christian Bibles were transcribed from Yahweh’s mouth by Moses’ pen! All the rest of the Scriptures were literally breathed by Elohim. Hear the Word of Yahweh!

“And there arose not a prophet since in Yisrael like unto Moses, whom Yahweh knew face to face.” ~ Deuteronomy 34:10

According to the very words of Yahoshua – if we are not actively reading and studying the Torah and then meditating on what we have been reading and studying – we are spiritually malnourished!

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh.”

This point is so important that I am going to say it one more time.

ONLY THE FIRST FIVE BOOKS IN THE BIBLE PROCEEDED FROM THE MOUTH OF YAHWEH!

THE SECOND TEST

“Then the Devil taketh Him up into the set-apart city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto Him, If thou be the Son of Elohim, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” ~ Matthew 4:5-6

THE DEVIL TAKES CHARGE

Before we examine the mystery of this second test – I would like to point out the obvious (although often overlooked) fact that the Devil was granted the authority to completely alter the circumstances of Yahoshua’s life. Even as Satan was allowed to completely alter the physical circumstances of Iyob’s life (Job Ch. 1 & 2) – he was also granted permission to completely alter the physical reality of Yahoshua’s life. He physically removed Yahoshua body from the wilderness and carried Him to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem.

If the Devil could get permission from the Father to alter the circumstances of both Job and Yahoshua – then what makes you and I think that he cannot do the same thing to you and me? Yes, the Devil, the host of fallen messengers and the demons of hell can and will interfere with your life’s circumstances as well – by obtaining the same authority to do so – according to the Father’s permissive will.

THE DEVIL KNOWS THE WORD OF YAHWEH

The second point I want to make concerning this test is that the Devil quoted the Word of Yahweh flawlessly – as given by the inspiration of the Spirit through David’s pen.

“For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” ~ Psalm 91:11-12

Our adversary, the Devil, knows the Word of Yahweh better than you or me or anyone alive on planet Earth today and you better believe that he will quote the Scripture to you too – if it suits his purpose to kill you, steal from you and destroy you.

THE DEVIL GOES TO CHURCH

The third point I want to make concerning this test – is that the Devil took Yahoshua to the house of worship in Jerusalem! Yes, the Devil loves to goes to the local assemblies of worship all over the world and unfortunately, in many cases, he is most welcome!

Before we examine the nature of this second test – please allow me to fully frame the context of this test by using the three points I have made concerning this test.

The Devil physically took the Word of Yahweh (made flesh) to the house of the Word of Yahweh and then quoted the Word of Yahweh (perfectly) in order to destroy the Word of Yahweh!

Read the above statement three times and let it really sink in before you continue any further with this study.

The Devil does the exact same thing today that he did to Yahoshua almost 2,000 years ago! He has been mostly successful at doing this to Yahweh’s people for the last 1900+ years of history. He uses the Word of Yahweh to destroy the Word of Yahweh – in the house of the Word of Yahweh – all over the world – day and night – and thus destroys the people of the Word of Yahweh! I.e. Hosea 4:6!

In modern times, he has used Shaul (Paul) the apostle’s letters as transmitted in the “New Testament” – more than any other Scriptures – to kill, steal and destroy! The apostle Shimon Kepha (Simon Peter) wrote to us in his second letter – severely warning us that this would happen and was already happening in the first century.

“And account that the longsuffering of our Master is salvation; (1) even as our beloved brother Paul also (2) according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; (3) in which are some things hard to be understood, (4) which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, (5) as they do also the other scriptures, (6) unto their own destruction. (7) Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” ~ 2Kepha (Peter) 3:15-17

Shimon Kepha (Simon Peter) and all the rest of the apostles considered the Pharisee (Acts 23:6) Shaul (Paul) a beloved brother in Yahoshua.

He believed Rabbi Shaul to possess the supernatural gift of wisdom (1Corinthians 12:8).

Even Shimon Kepha witnessed that the writings of Shaul were difficult to understand.

Those who were not formally educated in the “Old Testament” / TaNaKh were perverting Shaul’s (Paul’s) writings / teachings.

Those who pervert the teachings of Shaul (Paul) will also pervert the correct understanding of the rest of the Scriptures. I.e. The “Old Testament” / TaNaKh. It is greatly inferred by this statement that some of “Paul’s” writings were considered to be inspired Scripture by the first century, born-again believers.

Those who walk in lawlessness (i.e. without the Torah) have no protection against the attacks of the enemy and will not receive an eternal reward. I.e. 1Corinthians 9:27 & Matthew 7:21-23

If you pervert the teachings of Shaul (Paul) and / or any of the rest of the Scriptures – then you too will lose your reward and will not know the protection of Yahweh – which is only promised to those who walk in the light of the covenant, which He has revealed to us in His Torah.

Most born-again, spirit-filled believers have either overlooked or willingly ignore the warning found in 2Peter 3:15-17. They consider the apostle “Paul” to be the final authority over the assemblies of Yahweh and give more weight to his writings / letters than the entire “Old Testament” / TaNaKh. They even give more weight to the authority of his words than the teachings of Yahoshua haMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) – as recorded in the five Good News accounts recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Even though the pharisee’s writings only account for 5% of the entire cannon of Scripture – his words are elevated and exalted as the supreme and final authority over all the other Scriptures in the minds of most born-again believers today – as well as those who have believed over the last 1600+ years. However, is their faith in the actual inspired words of Shaul (Paul) or have they erroneously put their faith in what men have perversely taught about his writings – by twisting his words and their meaning?

Day after day, week after week – the writings of the apostle to the “gentiles” are twisted, distorted and perverted by 21st century apostle’s, bishops, pastors, teachers and evangelists – even as they twist all the other Scriptures. Whether intentionally or unintentionally – they are leading the saints astray – into lawlessness and self-destruction – because they do not truly know and understand “the law”, “the prophets” and “the writings”.
Just as Satan used the Word of Life to try to destroy the Word of Life (made flesh) in the house of the Word – so he is continually using the Word of Life (as spoken by the apostle “Paul”) to destroy the Word of Life (by seditiously undermining the authority of the “Old Testament” / TaNaKh and the words of Yahoshua) in the house of the Word (i.e. the local assemblies of faith) in the 21st century!

LET’S DO THE TWIST

Galatians is without a doubt the most twisted and misunderstood letter out of all of Shaul’s letters. What the apostle actually wrote and what is taught and preached from his letter could not be more different – even as day is different from night! With little or no knowledge of the historical context of Shaul’s letter – those who would twist his words will authoritatively use the letter to the Galatians to “prove” that “the law” has been done away with and we are all now under grace.

I have a verse by verse teaching, which covers the entire letter to the Galatians, which is posted in the audio section of my blog. However, let me give you one glaring example of how Shaul’s teaching is perverted – from Galatians chapter 4.

“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be master of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.” ~ Galatians 4:1-3

Notice, that the apostle said that we “were in bondage under the elements of the world.” He cannot possibly be talking about any of the “Old Testament” Scriptures – as they are not “the elements of the world” – they are pure doctrine from Heaven’s throne. The Torah (i.e. the instruction / “the law”) was not considered to be bondage to those who loved and lived by them.

Listen to the words of David, as recorded in Psalm 19, which he wrote by the inspiration of the Set-apart Spirit. The average Christian has never stopped to consider that the only Scripture that existed during the life-span of king David was the first five books of the “Old Testament” / TaNaKh. In other words, every word David wrote was about the Torah. I.e. “The law” of Moses.

(1) “The law (i.e. the Torah) of Yahweh is perfect, converting the soul: (2) the testimony (i.e. the Torah) of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple. (3) The statutes (i.e. the Torah) of Yahweh are right, rejoicing the heart: (4) the commandment (i.e. the Torah) of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever: (5) the judgments (i.e. the Torah) of Yahweh are true and righteous altogether. (6) More to be desired are they (i.e. the Torah) than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (i.e. the Torah). (7) Moreover by them (i.e. the Torah) is thy servant warned: (8) and in keeping of them (i.e. the Torah) there is great reward.” ~ Psalm 19:7-11

Now compare what David taught by the inspiration of the Spirit to what the average Christian preacher or teacher has to say about the Torah.

1) David said “the law” / Torah is perfect and converts the soul!

The average Christian says “the law” / the Torah is a curse and was thus nailed to the cross.2) David said “the law” / Torah is sure and makes the simple person wise.

The average Christian says that “the law” / Torah is done away with and only the foolish simpleton desires to obey them.

3) David said “the law” / Torah is right and causes the heart to rejoice!

The average Christian says that “the law” / Torah is wrong for today and causes nothing but pain.

4) David said “the law” / Torah is pure and enlightens the eyes!

The average Christian says that “the law” / Torah corrupts the faith of those who are born again by favor and darkens their vision.

5) David said “the law” / Torah are true and righteous!

The average Christian says that those born-again believers who live according to “the law” / Torah are deceived and that they are destroying the righteousness that is by faith when they do so.

6) David said that “the law” / Torah is more to be desired than much fine gold!

The average Christian says that the Torah is of little to no value for today’s born-again, spirit-filled, believer.

7) David said that “the law” / Torah warns us against the evil of this world and its consequences!

The average Christian says that “the law” / Torah is not needed to warn us concerning evil anymore and that which used to be evil is now good and that which used to be good is now evil.

8) David said that walking in obedience to “the law” / Torah is the basis for receiving great reward!

The average Christian says that salvation / justification by faith is all that you really need to concern yourself with and that there is little to no reward for obedience to “the law” / Torah.

It is no wonder that the saints of today are so confused about what “Paul” wrote in his letters. They have been completely brain-washed to believe the exact opposite of the truth – as transmitted by David – by the inspiration of the Spirit. They do not know that the apostle to the nations would NEVER have referred to the perfect, royal Torah of Yahweh as “bondage” and “the elements of this present world.”“But when the fullness of the time was come, Elohim sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, Elohim hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So that thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of Yahweh through the Messiah.” ~ Galatians 4:4-6

Many learned theologians forget that a pharisee is someone who has earned a doctorate of “the law” / Torah. Everything “Paul” wrote must be considered in the light of the mind of a first century, Jewish lawyer. The phrase “under the law” is a prepositional phrase which means the exact opposite of what “Christian” scholars and theologians have traditionally taught that it means. “Under the law” is a legal term commonly used in the first century, which meant that there is sufficient evidence to indict you and find you guilty for transgressing the law of Yahweh.

Therefore, the full weight of the law was coming down on you with crushing force and is completely against you to convict and condemn you. Unless you can prove your innocence – you will forever be guilty and condemned. You will forever be – “under the law.”

“But then, when ye knew not Yahweh, ye did service unto them which by nature are no mighty ones. But now, after that ye have known Yahweh, or rather are known of Yahweh, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.” ~ Galatians 4:7-10

If you did not believe that Shaul’s words were being grossly perverted before now – surely these four verses will begin to open the eyes of your heart and the correct understanding.

First, he clearly states he is speaking to those who did not know Yahweh – but instead were worshipping false mighty ones. Obviously, he was not speaking to the Jewish people of Israel. He was speaking to people who previously practiced paganism.

Secondly, he says that after they have come to know Yahweh as their Savior they wanted to return to the weak and elementary matters which they used to practice in paganism – thus returning to bondage! The apostle Shaul taught that paganism was the elementary matters of this world – not walking in obedience to “the law” / Torah! He taught that practicing paganism was bondage and servitude – not obedience to Yahweh’s Torah! All those who returned to paganism were thus “under the law” – because they were willfully transgressing “the law”! I.e. The Torah!

Finally, in the light of the context of the words of his letter – the apostle is clearly teaching that the observance of pagan days, months and years are bondage and that the celebration of all such days are bringing those who celebrate them back “under the elements of this world.” Whereas, the saints today preach and teach in favor of celebrating the days, months and years celebrated by pagan practice (as sanctioned by the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church) and teach in strong opposition to celebrating the appointed times of Yahweh (I.e. Leviticus 23) – the apostle to “the gentiles” taught the exact opposite in his letter to the Galatians.

LET’S DO THE TWIST AGAIN

Just like Chuck Barry’s hit song “The Twist” was made popular to another generation with a re-mix called “Twist Again” – so theologians must perversely twist all of Scripture repeatedly to sell their lies to the next generation. It is only by completely twisting the words of the apostle’s letter to the Colossians that they can justify their wicked doctrines and dogmas – which are mostly lawless and against the Torah (i.e. the Instructions) of Yahweh.

Learned theologians and religious scholars love to quote Colossians 2:16-17 to authoritatively claim that born-again believers do not have to concern themselves with the dietary provisions of “the law” / Torah, the calendar of Yahweh and / or the Sabbath days of Yahweh. However, they have only gotten away with this perversion of the Scriptures because they casually take these two verses out of the context of the entire letter.

Most students of the Christian Scriptures are taught that context is understood by studying the few verses before or after the verses being understood or in some rare cases the chapter before and / or the chapter afterwards. However, the students of the Jewish Scripture are taught that context is the entire body of the Jewish Scriptures (I.e. the “Old Testament” / TaNaKh) from the very first verse till the very last verse. Maybe if Christianity would return to our Jewish roots of correctly understanding the context of the Scripture we are studying from the entire body of the Christian Scriptures – from the very first verse in Genesis to the very last verse in Revelation – then we would no longer be so easily deceived and led astray into false doctrines, dogmas and traditions of men.

In the particular case of Shaul’s letter to the Colossians we only have to go back eight verses to understand the context of verses 16-17.

“See to it that no one makes a prey of you through (1) philosophy and (2) empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary matters of the world, and not according to Messiah.” ~ Colossians 2:8

The rabbi from Tarsus gives several severe warnings to the new believers at the city of Colossae – who had just come out of pagan practices and were just now beginning a new life by faith in the one true Savior and Master – due to the favor they have found.

First, he warns them not to be led astray by those who love the wisdom of this world! I.e. Philosophy!

Second, he warns them not to be led astray by lies. Lies which men have passed down from generations long past according to their pagan superstitions, beliefs and practices, which he further identifies as “the elementary matters of the world!”

Please let me try to make this warning realistic to you. It was not all that long ago that I had the privilege of visiting the nation of Indonesia for the second time. It is estimated that more than 80% of the population of Indonesia are practicing Muslims. If someone was to convert to Christianity and leave their Muslim faith behind – then that person would best represent the new converts whom the apostle is addressing in his letter to the Colossians. Now, with such a person in mind, lets re-read Col. 2:16-17.

“Let no one therefore judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths – which are a shadow of what is to come – but the Body of the Messiah.”

Now, if a Muslim from Indonesia no longer followed the teachings of Mohammad – as recorded in the Koran – and instead began following Yahoshua – and learning the teachings of the Jewish Bible (i.e. the “Old Testament”) that would most accurately represent what a first century born-again believer from Colossae did. After all, they did not have a “New Testament” yet. It would not be canonized for several more decades. The only Scriptures that existed were from the “Old Testament” and the only place you would be able to find the Jewish Bible (i.e. TaNaKh) was at the local synagogue – where it would be read and taught every Sabbath day. I.e. Acts 15:21

When a man or woman converts to “the one true faith” and leaves behind their Muslim faith – don’t you know that their family, friends and close neighbors are going to judge them and condemn them?! In Indonesia – they will disown you, disinherit you, divorce you and drive you out of the neighborhood. In most of the western world – at least over the last two centuries – no one is going to require you to pay such a high price if you leave behind your pagan belief to follow the Nazarene – according to His Word. The only price you will most likely be asked to pay in the western church is your tithes and offerings.

However, those who left paganism in the first century to follow Yahoshua haMashiach – according to His Word – would definitely be judged by their families and community and most likely persecuted – as were many of the born-again believers of the first century. This is exactly who the apostle was speaking to in his letter! Once again, we “discover” by the correct understanding of the context of the letter to the Colossians that the message the apostle was communicating to the first century assembly at Colossae is the exact opposite of that which the theologians and Bible scholars preach and teach today.

First, he warns them not to let practicing pagans judge / condemn them now that they are no longer eating and drinking according to their pagan practice(s) – but instead are eating and drinking according to the teaching(s) of Scripture – as recorded in Genesis 9:3-4 & 7:2-3, Leviticus 11 & Deuteronomy 14

Second, he warns them not to let practicing pagans judge / condemn them for celebrating / honoring the appointed feasts of Yahweh (Leviticus 23), the New Moons of Yahweh (i.e. the set-apart calendar of Yahweh) and the Sabbaths of Yahweh (Exodus 20:8-11 & 31:13-17 & Deuteronomy 5: 12-15)

Finally, the last part of his warning is for new believers to correctly understand who has been given the authority to judge in righteousness how new believers are to live their lives – now that they have converted to “the one true faith”. I.e. “The Body of Messiah!

Before He ascended to Heaven, He transferred the authority of righteous judgment from the ruling Sanhedrin and the Great Assembly of 120 pharisees to wherever two or three where gathered in His name (Matthew 18:15-20). The reason most Christians do not read this passage this way is because the translators added the word “is” when they translated the King James Version of the Scriptures and most of the other translations followed suit. By adding the word “is” they have completely changed the intended meaning of verse 17 and perverted it altogether.

COMPARE

Correct Translation – “Which are a shadow of what is to come – but the Body of the Messiah.” ~ Institute for Scripture Research – Scriptures Translation – 1998

Mistranslation – “Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” ~ King James Version

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The apostle does not say the appointed feasts of Yahweh, the calendar of Yahweh and the Sabbaths of Yahweh are nailed to the cross and done away with – No! Not at all! He says they are a shadow of “good things” yet to be fulfilled!

One of the BIGGEST and most often repeated lies in Christendom today is that all of “the law” / Torah has been fulfilled in and through the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Yahoshua haMashiach. Nothing could be further from the truth! Only the first half of the appointments found in “the law” / Torah have been fulfilled at the ‘100’ level of prophetic fulfillment. The second half of these appointments will soon be fulfilled at the ‘100’ level of fulfillment at Yahoshua’s victorious return. The shadow picture of the weekly Sabbath appointment will also be fulfilled at that time.

The weekly Sabbath celebration is a shadow picture which foretells the soon coming seventh thousand-year-day – when Yahoshua and His bride will rule for a millennium and all of creation will know perfect rest. From this very shadow picture – Yahoshua is declaring the end from the beginning- just as He declared – seven different times – through the prophet Isaiah! E.g. Isa. 46:10 Intellectual honesty will have to admit that this shadow picture has not been fulfilled yet and that the unscriptural practice for reverencing the first day of the week is not a shadow picture at all!

If anyone doubts this is the true and correct understanding of Colossians 2:16-17 – then they only need to keep reading the rabbi’s letter and believe his words at face value…

“If, then, you died with Messiah from the elementary matters of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations: “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle” – which are all to perish with use – according to the commands and teachings of men? These indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed worship, humiliation and harsh treatment of the body – of no value at all, only for satisfaction of the flesh.” ~ Colossians 2:20-23

ATTENTION! ATTENTION!

First, the apostle repeats the exact phrase he first used in verse 8 of the same chapter – so that there can be no confusion whatsoever that he is matter-of-factly speaking of “the elementary matters of the world” and not the perfect Torah (i.e. Instructions) of Yahweh – which proceeded from the throne of Heaven!

Secondly, he clearly states that he is speaking of “the commands and teachings of men” and not the perfect Torah of Yahweh – which proceeded from the mouth Yahweh!

Thirdly, he emphasizes that what he is speaking against was of “no value at all” and only for the “satisfaction of the flesh.” It is has become increasingly and embarrassingly obvious that the author cannot possibly be speaking against the first five books of the Word of Yahweh – which was so eloquently and truthfully praised by David in Psalm 19:7-11. Of course, he could only be speaking of the false religious beliefs and practices of paganism!

However, most scholars and theologians will not accept that which is profoundly obvious and will instead choose to continue to practice and preach the lies they’ve inherited from their pagan-practicing fathers. (Jeremiah 16:19) Lies that have been white-washed in Jesus’ name and are only sustainable from generation to generation – by continually perverting and twisting the words of “Paul” and the heavenly intent of the rest of the Scriptures – thus, fully fulfilling the severe prophetic warning of Shimon Kepha – almost 2,000 year ago!

“Those who are untaught and unstable twist (the words of “Paul the apostle”) to their own destruction, as they do also the other Scriptures.” ~ 2Kepha (Peter) 3:16b

YAHOSHUA’S RESPONSE TO SATAN’S PERVERSION

Once again, we witness that Yahoshua responds to the tempter by standing uncompromised on the truth of Torah – speaking it out loud – and correctly applying it to the temptation at hand.

“Yahoshua said to him, “It has also been written, ‘You shall not try Yahweh your Elohim.’” ~ Matthew 4:7

Yahoshua was quoting Moses – as recorded in Deuteronomy 6:16.

“Do not try Yahweh your Elohim as you tried Him in Massah.”

Perhaps it would be of great benefit to all of us to ask the question, “Just how did the children of Yisrael try Elohim at the waters of Massah?” We find the answer by reading true account of the waters of Massah in Exodus 17:1-7.

Even though the Yisraelites were eye-witnesses to the strong right arm of Yahweh and how He showed Himself far superior to the ten elohim (“mighty-ones”) worshipped by the Egyptians (e.g. the god of Death, the Sun god, the River god, etc.) through the ten different plagues, the subsequent decimation of Pharaoh and his army at the sea of reeds (after they had all walked across safely with a wall of water on both sides), the miracle of the bitter waters turning into sweet waters and the daily provision of food (manna and quail) in the wilderness – THEY STILL CHOSE NOT TO BELIEVE IN THE STRONG RIGHT ARM OF YAHWEH TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR NEEDED DAILY WATER SUPPLY AT MT. SINAI!

In other words, even though they knew Yahweh promised to provide for their every need and even though He had demonstrated His power and might to do so – they still refused to stand on the authority of His Word!

WE CAN ONLY PASS THE TEST SET BEFORE US – WHEN WE CHOOSE TO STAND ON THE WORD OF YAHWEH – COMPLETELY TRUSTING IN THE PROMISE AND AUTHORITY OF HIS WORD!

When we do not trust Yahweh – putting our full weight on the promises He has made to us – then we are no different than the children of Yisrael at the waters of Massah! We are literally trying Yahweh!

THE THIRD TEST

“Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain, and showed Him all the reigns of the world, and their esteem, and said to Him, “All these I shall give You if You fall down and worship me.” ~ Matthew 4:8-9

For the second time, we witness that Satan had the power to completely alter the physical circumstances of our Savior and Master (who was also the devil’s Creator) – when He was a man made of flesh. If our enemy can get permission to test / try the king of the Universe – even altering his life-circumstances – then how come so many of us honestly think we are exempt / immune to such trials / tests in our spiritual life? Why are we so easily deceived to think that everything should be so easy and perfect for us – just because we are followers of Yahoshua of Nazareth? Surely, we have been deceived by our own wicked and deceitful hearts (Jeremiah 17:9) and those who would tickle our ears with every false and evil doctrine!

The Scriptures plainly speak against all such lies! The health, wealth and prosperity “gospel” is killing the one true faith in these last days – and all who hold to it.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” ~ Luke 14:26-27

“We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Elohim.” ~Acts 14:22b

“Yea, and all that will live piously in the Messiah Yahoshua shall suffer persecution.” ~ 2Timothy 3:12

Upon closer scrutiny of this third and final test, we find that it is in all actuality the exact same test as the first two. Will Yahoshua stand on the Word of Yahweh, which was spoken at the time of His immersion or will He fall for the lies of the enemy!

In Psalm chapter 2 – Yahweh the Father promises to give the nations of this world to Yahweh the Son!

“Yahweh hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.” ~ Psalm 2:7-8

Satan was essentially calling Yahoshua’s Father a liar. He was literally saying, “You think you’re the Son of Yahweh? Ha! If you are the Son of Yahweh and if Your Father cannot lie – then how come all the kingdoms of this world bow down to me and worship me? How can Your Father give You the kingdoms of this world – if they all, already belong to me?”

The Devil then offered Yahoshua a seemingly pragmatic and viable solution. “Since Your Father has lied to You and cannot possibly be trusted to make good on His Word – I will personally fulfill the promise of the psalmist’s prophecy – if you will only bow down and worship me!”

Believe it or not – this third test is Satan challenging the Word of Yahweh one last time…

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” ~ Matthew 3:17b

For the third and final time – Yahoshua will pass the test the exact same way that He passed the first two times – by authoritatively quoting the Torah of Yahweh – as recorded in Deuteronomy 6:13.

Satan tried our Messiah, Yahoshua, three different times – concerning the same revealed word. In the same /similar way – we will probably be tested repeatedly concerning the revealed Word of Yahweh spoken to us also – whether it be the written word or the word revealed by the Spirit – which will always agree with the word that is written in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures!

CONCLUSION

Once Yahoshua had successfully passed His test – three different times – the messengers from Heaven were sent to minister to Him and He then entered into full-time ministry. During His ministry He always lived His life in 100% agreement with what was written in His Father’s Torah – without any deviation or alteration! Eight different times He stated that He was not preaching / teaching anything new and that everything He did was what He was instructed to do by His Father. As a direct result, He performed miracles never seen before or since and His ministry profoundly changed the course of history!

In the exact same / similar way – the more we will stand on the Word of Yahweh uncompromised in the face of every trial / test – the more the messengers from Heaven will minister to our every need, and the more authentic, supernatural signs and wonders will follow us, and the more impactful for the kingdom our ministry will be!

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